adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
animalnounUS /ˈænəməl/
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
awenounUS /ɑː/
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
carenounUS /ker/
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
childnounUS /tʃaɪld/
a young person of either sex
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
compelledverbUS /kəmˈpeld/
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
deadenedadjective
devoid of physical sensation; numb
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
depthsnounUS /depθs/
(plural) the deepest and most remote part
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
enigmanounUS /ɪˈnɪɡmə/
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
extinguishedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/
of a conditioned response; caused to die out because of the absence or withdrawal of reinforcement
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
fascinatedadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtəd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
fathomverbUS /ˈfæðəm/
come to understand
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
feelverbUS /fiːl/
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
fitfullyadverbUS /ˈfɪtfəli/
in a fitful manner
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
foreseenverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈsiːn/
inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
gazenounUS /ɡeɪz/
a long fixed look
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
germinating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
graduallyadverbUS /ˈɡrædʒuːəli/
in a gradual manner
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/
indecision in speech or action
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/
the aggregate of past events
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
illuminedverbUS /ˌɪˈluːmənd/
past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
impressionsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃənz/
plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
infantnounUS /ˈɪnfənt/
a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
jarringadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːrɪŋ/
making or causing a harsh and irritating sound
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
lapsedadjectiveUS /læpst/
no longer active or practicing
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
lightadjectiveUS /laɪt/
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
mysteriouslyadverbUS /ˌmɪˈstɪriəsli/
in a cryptic manner
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
narrowverbUS /ˈneroʊ/
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
new-born
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
non-consciousness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
outburstsnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrsts/
plural of “outburst” — an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
pettedverbUS /ˈpetɪd/
inflected form of “pet” — stroke or caress gently
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
plantverbUS /plænt/
put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
realitynounUS /ˌriːˈælətiː/
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
recollectionsnounUS /ˌrekəˈlekʃənz/
plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
sacredadjectiveUS /ˈseɪkrəd/
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
shocknounUS /ʃɑːk/
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
solicitousadjectiveUS /səˈlɪsətəs/
full of anxiety and concern
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
tinyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪni/
very small
From this reading When the light was extinguished, I lapsed once more into the non-consciousness of the new-born animal, of the tiny plant just germinating.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
touchverbUS /tʌtʃ/
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
transmittedadjectiveUS /trænˈsmɪtɪd/
occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
unconsciousnessnounUS /ˌʌnˈkɑːnʃəsnɪs/
a state lacking normal awareness of the self or environment
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I came forth from the darkness of unconsciousness very gradually, for my mind was illumined only fitfully, but then by outbursts of splendor that compelled and fascinated my infant gaze.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is with some degree of awe that I touch upon the enigma of my impressions at the commencement of my life.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading I am almost doubtful whether they had reality within my own experience, or whether they are not, rather, recollections mysteriously transmitted--I feel an almost sacred hesitation when I would fathom their depths.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading The history of my earliest years is that of a child much indulged and petted to whom nothing of moment happened; and into whose narrow, protected life no jarring came that was not foreseen, and the shock of which was not deadened with solicitous care.
